mumbai-reports-first-guillain-barre-syndrome-death

Mumbai has reported its first death due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, bringing the total number of fatalities in Maharashtra to eight.

 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed the death of a 53-year-old patient at Nair Hospital. The patient was undergoing treatment but succumbed to the illness.

 

According to the Maharashtra health department, 192 people are suspected to have contracted GBS as of February 11.

 

Among these, 172 cases have been confirmed, and seven deaths were reported before the latest fatality in Mumbai. The majority of cases have been recorded in Pune and its surrounding areas.

 

Health authorities revealed that 40 cases were from the Pune Municipal Corporation area, while 92 cases were identified in villages recently added to Pune's jurisdiction.

 

Additionally, 29 cases have been reported in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 28 have emerged from rural parts of Pune. Eight other cases have been detected in different districts.

 

As per the latest figures, 104 patients have been discharged from hospitals, but 50 remain in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Among them, 20 are on ventilator support.

 

In response to the outbreak, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) sealed 30 private water supply plants on February 6. These plants, located in Nanded, Dhayari, and outer areas of Sinhgad village, were identified as the epicentre of the outbreak.

 

Health officials found that many of these plants lacked the necessary approvals and failed to maintain water safety standards.

 

Tests conducted by authorities found that some of these water sources contained high levels of Escherichia coli bacteria, which can cause severe infections. Some plants were also found to be operating without any disinfectants or chlorine treatment, raising serious concerns about water contamination.

 

The Union Health Minister, JP Nadda, chaired a high-level meeting on February 3 to assess the situation. He discussed ongoing measures with Maharashtra’s health and medical ministers to contain the spread of GBS.

 

The state administration has been working on improving water quality and strengthening medical infrastructure to address the growing number of cases.